You're doing something wrong because it's not hard to get the axle in there with the tranny bolted up. Are you sure that the bracket for the intermediate shaft isn't just hitting something when you're putting the axle in? I'd need more info to give you better directions. Check this for more info: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=139802

And this: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=173647